
SHANGHAI
RACE CLUB WORLD WAR 1 - CHINA
World
War 1
Compiled & Copyright © Martin Edwards 2024
The
Shanghai Race Club was a horse racing club located in Shanghai, China.
The club was based at the Shanghai Racecourse. Within Shanghai History
Museum is housed the Shanghai Race Club World War memorial that orignally
was to be found in the former Shanghai Race Club building. There are
28 names listed. Shanghai History Museum is the former Shanghai Race
Club building and so the memorial is probably located in its original
location.
Notes
on the Club: Originally the Race Committee of the International Recreation
Club, the Race Club was first established in 1850, with the building
of Shanghai's first racecourse. In 1862, it detached itself from the
Shanghai Recreation Club to become an independent body. The Club's activities
were affected by the Second Sino-Japanese War and the Chinese Civil
War. After the Communist takeover of Shanghai in 1949, the Club was
placed under military administration in 1951 and its properties taken
over by the government in 1954.
 |
Photograph
Copyright © Martin Scott 2024 |
SHANGHAI
RACE CLUB
MCMXIV - MCMXVIII
ROLL OF HONOUR
BARRETT |
Knox
Gordon |
Lieutenant,
Z20th Trench Mortar Battery, Royal Field Artillery. Killed in
action 20 September 1917. Aged 28. Son of James Hunter Barrett,
J.P., and Eleanor Barrett, of "Leysfield," Regent's
Park Rd., Church End, Finchley, London, formerly of Bangor, Co.
Down, Ireland. Buried in CANADA FARM CEMETERY, West-Vlaanderen,
Belgium. Plot III. Row C. Grave 7.
Extract
from England & Wales Government Probate Death Index
1917:
BARRETT
Knox Gordon of Seaview Bangor Down lieutenant
R.F.A. died 20 September 1917 in France while on active service
Administration Belfast to James Hunter Barrett
clerk petty sessions. Effects £83 12S. in England.
Sealed London 22 December.
Extract
from Northern Whig - Thursday 1 June 1916, page 8:
THE
ROLL OF HONOUR.
Bangor Flying Officer Killed.
TWO D.S.O. AWARDS.
GALLANT CAVAN AIRMAN DECORATED.
Yesterday
morning Mr. Jamese H. Barrett, petty sessional clerk, Bangor,
received the following wire from the Secretary, War Office:—“Deeply
regret inform you that Captain E. W. Barrett, R.F.C., was killed
in action on 29 May. Lord Kitchener expressed his sympathy.”
Deceased is the same officer whose promotion to the rank captain
was announced no later than last week. Educated at Campbell College,
Armagh School, and Queen's University, emigrated to Australia
some years ago. and later sailed for Singapore, where he was engaged
in the rubber-growing industry, being assistant manager of a large
plantation. When the war broke outhe returned to this country,
where he joined the Royal Flying Corps, in which he received rapid
promotion. Deceased was of a brave, daring disposition, and was
very popular amongst a wide circle of friends. When at school
at Armagh he was prominent on both the Rugby and cricket fields,
and later became a member of the Bangor Golf Club. He was also
an esteemed member of Harmony Masonic Lodge 286, Bangor, of which
his father is the popular secretary. Deceased was the youngest
of three soldier brothers. His elder brother, Mr.
Knox Barrett, was in the service of the Hong Kong and Shanghai
Bank. and also returned home to serve the Empire, and is at present
in the Royal Field Artillery Cadet Corps at Exeter;
while his younger brother, St. Clair Barrett, is in the Cadet
Corps of the 10th (R.) Battalion Irish Fusiliers at Newtownards.
Extract
from North Down Herald and County Down Independent -
Friday 22 September 1916, page 1:
PROMOTION
FOR BANGOR CADET
We are pleased to learn that Mr. Knox G. Barrett, son of our esteemed
townsman, Mr. James H. Barrett, has received his commision in
the Royal Field Artillery, which he joined as a cadet after returning
home from the far East, where he surrendered a most lucrative
position in the Hong Kong and Shanghai Bank in order to serve
his King and country. Lieutenant Barrett is at present home on
leave.
Extract
from Northern Whig - Saturday 29 September 1917, page 5:
THE
LATE LIEUTENANT KNOX BARRETT
How He was Killed
The
following details of the death of his son, Lieutenant Knox Barrett,
has been received by Mr. James H. Barrett from Captain A. M. Glen,
R.F.A.:— Dear Sir,—You will doubtless before the receipt
of this letter, have received official intimation of the death
in action of your son. Lieutenant K. G. Barrett, R.F.A. It happened
on the 20th—three days ago. He was standing just outside
the dugout he had been living in for the previous two days, watching
a battery some distance away being shelled, when shell landed
almost beside him. He never recovered consciousness, and died
ten minutes later. Considering how close to him the shell landed
he was marvellously slightly disfigured. He was hit in the head,
shoulder, and leg, none of them large wounds, but the first of
these was fatal one. Besides our personal loss of a friend, the
unit has lost one of ite best officers, for he was a fine soldier,
and one the bravest men I have ever met. We brought his body back
the same night to a cemetery well behind the line, and he was
buried next morning by our divisional artillery padre. A corporal
who was killed by the same shell was buried with him. The men
got a wreath for his grave, and are fixing jup a cross.
|
BIRCHAL |
Wilfrid
Arthur |
[Spelt
BIRCHALL on SDGW] Lieutenant, Nottinghamshire Yeomanry (Sherwood
Rangers). Killed in action 28 November 1917. Nephew of Mr. Charles
E. Birchal, of "Churchfield", Edge Lane, Chorlton-cum-Hardy,
Manchester. In the 1901 census he was aged 16, born at sea, a Merchant's
Clerk, newphew of Charles E. Birchal, resident 46, Alexandra Road
South, Withington, Chorlton, Lancashire. Buried in JERUSALEM WAR
CEMETERY, Israel and Palestine (including Gaza). Section Y. Grave
56.
Extract
from England & Wales Government Probate Death Index
1918:
BIRCHAL
Wilfred Arthur of Church Field Edge-lane Chorlton-cum-Hardy
Manchester a lieutenant Nottinghamshire (Sherwood
Rangers) Yeomanry died 28 November 1917 in Palestine Administration
(limited) Manchester 19 July to Charles Emmanuel
Birchal director of a limited company. Effects £287 15s.
4d.
|
BOURGEAT |
L
A |
Lieutenant.
In 1905 he was a barrister-at-law working for M. Tillot, Shanghai.
On the Board of Directors of International Savings Society, Shanghai,
as legal advisor 1917. |
BRAND |
James
Andrew |
Private
TF/241479, 11th Battalion, Royal Sussex Regiment. Killed in action
23 March 1918. Born Shanghai, China, enlisted Brighton. No known
grave. Commemorated on POZIERES MEMORIAL, Somme, France. Panel
46 and 47.
Extract
from England & Wales Government Probate Death Index
1923:
BRAND
James Andrew of Woodcote End Epsom Surrey and
of Shanghai China died 21 March 1918 in France
Administration(with Will) (limited) London 4
May to Villiers Frederick Caesar Hawkins solicitor the attorney
of Ann Bigland Smith.
Effects £248 17s. 2d.
|
BRUCE |
Bethune
Duncan |
Captain,
13th Battalion, Royal Scots (Lothian Regiment). Killed in action
27 September 1915. Aged 41. Born 23 November 1874. Baptised 3 January
1875 in Calcutta, Bengal, son of Alexander Andrew Bruce and Ada
Campbell Bruce. Son of Maj. Gen. Alexander Andrew Bruce (Indian
Staff Corps) and Ada Semple Bruce. In the 1891 census he was aged
16, a scholar, son of Ada Campbell Bruce, resident Polwarth Terrace,
1, St Cuthbert, Edinburgh, Newington, Midlothian, Scotland. No known
grave. Commemorated on LOOS MEMORIAL, Pas de Calais, France. Panel
10 to 13.
Extract
from England & Wales Government Probate Death Index
1916:
BRUCE Bethune Duncan of 2 Polworth-terrace Edinburgh
captain 13th battalion The Royal Scots died 26 September
1915 at Hill 70 near Loos in France Confirmation of Ada Campbell
Bruce widow. Sealed London 12 February.
|
CUNNINGHAM |
Charles
Clement Francis |
Captain,
2nd Battalion, Princess Louise's (Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders).
Died of wounds 19 August 1916. Aged 33. Son of Margaret Cunningham,
of Muirhouselaw, St. Boswells, Newtown St. Boswells, Roxburghshire,
and the late Charles John Cunningham, J.P., D.L. His brother Kenneth
Edward also fell. Buried in DERNANCOURT COMMUNAL CEMETERY, Somme,
France. Row I. Grave 1.
Extract
from England & Wales Government Probate Death Index
1917:
CUNNINGHAM
Charles Clement Francis of Muirhouselaw Roxburgh
captain 3rd battalion attached 2nd battalion Argyle and Sutherland
Highlanders died 19 August 1916 at No. 13 Field Ambulance in France
Confirmation of Kenneth Edward Cunningham fames Crossley Cunningham
captain Argyle and Sutherland Highlanders and James Stormonth
Darling writer.
Sealed London 16 April.
|
DAVIDSON |
W |
Lance
Corporal |
DEFRIES,
MiD |
Frederick |
Captain,
5th Battalion attached 3rd Battalion, Duke of Cambridge's Own (Middlesex
Regiment). Killed in action 6 April 1918. Aged 33. Son of Martha
Defries, of 4, Woodlands Avenue, Finchley, Middlesex, and the late
Albert Defries. Mentioned in Despatches (MiD). No known grave. Commemorated
on DOIRAN MEMORIAL, Greece. |
DENT |
Wilfrid
Harry |
 |
Middlesex,
Harrow School,
Wilfrid Harry Dent |
Major, 10th Battalion, Alexandra Princess of Wales's Own (Yorkshire
Regiment). Killed in action 27 September 1915. Aged 48. Born at
Hunsingore, Yorkshire. Son of the Rev. Canon J. J. D. Dent and Laura
M. Dent, of Red House, Hursley, Winchester. Buried in CABARET-ROUGE
BRITISH CEMETERY, SOUCHEZ, Pas de Calais, France. Plot XVIII. Row
E. Grave 1.
Extract
from Hampshire Advertiser - Saturday 9 October 1915, page
4:
DENT.—On
the 27th ult,, in action in France. Major Wilfrid H, Dent, 10th
Battalion Yorkshire Regiment, second son the late Canon J. D.
Dent, and Mrs. Dent, of the Red House, Mureley, aged 48.
Extract
from England & Wales Government Probate Death Index
1916:
DENT
Wilfred Harry of the China Mutual Life insurance Company limited
China Shanghai China late major H.M. Army died
27 September 1915 at Loos in France Probate Shanghai
to John Kirkpatrick Tweed.
Effects £294 14s. in the United Kingdom.
Sealed London 14 June.
|
DOUGLAS |
John
Charles Edward |
Major,
10th Battalion, Alexandra Princess of Wales's Own (Yorkshire Regiment).
Died of wounds 18 December 1915. Aged 39. Baptised 8 October 1876
in Stokeham, Devon, son of Archibald Lucius aqnd Constance Ellen
Douglas. Son of Admiral Sir Archibald Douglas, G.C.B., G.C.V.O.,
LL.D.; J.P., and of Lady Douglas. Barrister, Gray's Inn. In the
1891 census he was aged 14, born Chillington, Devon. a scholar,
newphew of Philip Ruffle and Margaret G Sharp, resident Monachus
House, Hartley Row Street, Hartley Wintney, Hampshire. Buried in
BAILLEUL COMMUNAL CEMETERY EXTENSION, NORD, Nord, France. Plot II.
Row B. Grave 64.
Extract
from The Mail - Monday 28 October 1901, page 6:
FOREIGN
OFFICE, AUG. 31.
The
King has been graciously pleased to appoint John Charles Edward
Douglas, Esq., to be Registrar of His Majesty's Supreme Counrt
for China aqnd Corea.
Extract
from The Evening News - Wednesday 22 December 1915, page
5 (note rank incorrect):
Death
of Capt. J. C. E. Douglas
Much
regret is felt in Society circles in Portsmouth at the news
that Capt. John Charles edward Douglas, 10th Batt., the Yorkshire
Regt., second son of the late Admiral Sir Archibald L. Douglas,
G.C.B., G.C.V.O., formerly Commander-in-Chief at Portsmouth,
died of wounds on Saturday last at the age of 39. Captain Douglas
was quite a favourite in local Service circles, and the greatest
sympathy is expressed with the family in their great loss.
Extract
from England & Wales Government Probate Death Index
1916:
DOUGLAS
John Charles Edward of Shanghai China major His
Majesty's Army died 18 December 1915 in Flanders of wounds received
in action Probate London 2 May to Alexander Nelson
Radcliffe solicitor.Effects £1979 1s. 3d.
|
GRESSON
|
John
Edward |
Second
Lieutenant, 3rd Battalion attached 2nd Battalion, Cheshire Regiment.
Killed in action 24 May 1915. In the 1901 census he was aged 19,
born Ireland, a Clerk, lodging at 25, Eldon Street, Glasgow, Kelvin,
Lanarkshire, Scotland. No known grave. Commemorated on YPRES (MENIN
GATE) MEMORIAL, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. Panel 19.
Extract
from Bond of Sacrifice 1914-1918, Volume 2, page 189:
2nd
LIEUTENANT JOHN EDWARD GRESSON, 3rd (RESERVE) attd. 2nd, BATTN.
THE CHESHIRE REGIMENT was the seventh and youngest son
of the late Major W. H. Gresson, 27th Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers,
and 65th York and Lancaster Regiment, and of Mrs. Gresson, of
Fernleigh, Cheltenham. Four of his brothers are in the service
of their country, namely, Lieutenant-Colonel T. T. Gresson, D.S.O.,
1st Battalion, York and Lancaster Regiment; Captain R. H. A.
Gresson, Advanced Remount Depot, M.E.F.; Commander A. L. Gresson,
R.N., in command of H.M.S. "Impregnable," Devonport;
and Gunner George Gresson, Canadian Field Artillery.
2nd Lieutenant Gresson was born on the 3rd June, 1881, at Woodville,
Birr, King's County, and was educated at Cheltenham College and
at Rossall. When his education was completed he went out to China,
where he was engaged in business in the firm of Messrs. Jardine,
Matheson, and Co. He was a very keen horseman, and was known in
China for the active interest he took in polo, steeplechasing,
and coursing. He was also associated with the Shanghai Light Horse
and the Hong Kong Light Horse. When the war with Germany broke
out Mr. Gresson was at home on leave, and he immediately volunteered
for active service. In September, 1914, he was gazetted 2nd Lieutenant,
and was posted to the 3rd Battalion, Cheshire Regiment, with which
he served in Birkenhead and on coast defence in Scotland. In March,
1915, he sailed for France, and was attached to the 2nd Battalion
for active service.
He was killed on the 25th May, 1915, in the general attack on
the German trenches at Ypres, and was buried in or near Hooge
Wood, Ypres, Flanders.
|
JACKSON |
Bertram
Rolfe |
Captain,
1st Battalion, Coldstream Guards. Killed in action 15 September
1916. Aged 31. Son of James and Grace Jackson (nee Blaine), of
The Homemead, Heacham, Norfolk. Commemorated in GUARDS' CEMETERY,
LESBOEUFS, Somme, France. Special Memorial 47.
Extract
from East Anglian Daily Times and The Evening Star
and Daily Herald - Tuesday, 26 September 1916, page 8:
CAPT.
B. R. JACKSON.
Captain Bertram Rolfe Jackson, Coldstream Guards, killed, was
the third son of Mr. James and Mrs. Grace Jackson, Heacham, Norfolk.
He joined the Special Reserve of the Coldstream Guards, and was
gazetted in August, 1915, being promoted Captain in April of the
present year.
Extract
from The Lynn News & County Press - Saturday, 7
October 1916, page 7:
A
GALLANT HEACHAM OFFICER.
Captain Bertram Rolfe Jackson, Coldstream Guards, recently reported
as killed in action, was the third son of Mr. James Jackson, The
Homemead, Heacham, and was educated at Fonthill, Fast Grinstead
and Eton. At the time of the outbreak of the war he held a post
in the Asiatic Petroleum Company, which was kept open for his
return had be survived the war. He came home early in 1915, joined
the Reserve of Officers, was appointed second-lieutenant in the
Coldstream Guards, and proceeded to France in April, 1915, from
which time he saw continuous service at the front. He was promoted
lieutenant in January, and captain in April last. He was killed
leading his company under heavy shell fire in the great attack
of September 15.
|
JONES |
Loftus
Edward Perceval |
Captain,
7th Battalion, Alexandra Princess of Wales's Own (Yorkshire Regiment).
Killed in action 3 August 1915. Aged 39. Born at Ararat, Victoria,
Australia. Son of Peyton Jones, M.I.C.E. and Letetia Caroline
Peyton Jones, of "Edenbrook", Blackwater, Hampshire.
Passed law examinations in Melbourne gaining Supreme Court Prize.
A Barrister at Supreme Court, Shanghai. Buried in BEDFORD HOUSE
CEMETERY, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. Enclosure No. 3. Row C. Grave
1.
Extract
from England & Wales Government Probate Death Index
1916:
JONES
Loftus Edward Percival of Shanghai China died
3 August 1915 at Voormezeele Belgium Administration (with Will
limited) London 2 February to Frederick William
Brown solicitor one of the attorneys of Geoffrey Herbert Wright.
Effects £557 6s. 5d.
Extract
from The London and China Telegraph - 17 August 1915,
page 710, and Overland China Mail - 7 October 1915, page
18:
Captain
Lofton Edward Perceval Jones, 7th Yorkshire Regiment, who was
killed in action on Aug. 3 in France, was the elder son of the
late Mr Peyton Jones, M. Inst. C.E., Melbourne, Australia. Educated
at Cumloden, St. Kilda, he gained the Supreme Court Prize at the
Melbourne University, practised as a barrister, went to China,
and was a partner in the firm of Hanson, McNeill, Jones and Wright,
Shanghai. A keen sportsman, he was a well known writer and amateur
jockey, and was chairman of the Shanghai Club. On the call for
officers in the East at the end of last year he at once responded,
and was given a commission as captain. Leaving Shanghai on Christmas
Day, he was gazetted to the 7th Battalion Yorkshire Regiment on
Feb. 23, and left for the front in July.
|
LAMBE |
Percy |
Lieutenant,
9th Battalion attached 6th Battalion, Buffs (East Kent Regiment).
Killed in action 7 November 1915. No known grave. Commemorated on
LOOS MEMORIAL, Pas de Calais, France. Panel 15 to 19. |
LAURENCE |
Bertie
Standish |
Second
Lieutenant, 1st/2nd Battalion, 2nd County of London Yeomanry (Westminster
Dragoons). Killed in action 9 September 1915. Aged 32. Buried in
GREEN HILL CEMETERY, Turkey (including Gallipoli). Plot II. Row
F. Grave 15.
Extract
from England & Wales Government Probate Death Index
1916:
LAURENCE
Bertie Standish a 2nd lieutenant of the Westminster
Dragoons died 9 September 1915 in Gallipoli on active service
Administration (with Will) London 8 November
to George Charles Bellew publisher.
Effects £214. 13s. 11d.
Extract
from The Graphic - 13 November 1915, page 634:
Many
brothers have fallen in the war, but not often under such
pathetic circumstances as those which attended the deaths
of the brothers Laurence. Ralph Neville Laurence, shortly
after the war broke out, gave up a good appointment and enlisted
in the 1st Dorsetshire Regiment. His younger brother, Bertie
Standish Laurence, who was a partner in a well-known commercial
firm in Shanghai, came back to England, and on December 11
was gazetted 2nd Lieut. in the 2nd County of London (Westminster)
Dragoons, proceeding to Gallipoli.
On August 11, 1915, Ralph Neville Laurence (aged thirty-five)
was shot dead whilst fighting in France. On September 9, the
day after receiving the news of his brother's death, Lieut,
Laurence (aged thirty-two) was shot by a sniper when endeavouring
to recover some equipment lying outside his trench. He died
almost at once. He was temporarily in charge of a machine-gun
section, and was a great favourite with his men, as well as
an excellent officer who could ill be spared.
|
LEYSHON |
William
Howell Norman |
Private
22224, 32nd Battalion, Royal Fusiliers (City of London Regiment).
Killed in action 15 September 1916. Aged 26. Born Forest Gate, resident
Wanstead, enlisted Finsbury. Son of William and Annie Leyshon, of
31, Park Rd., Manor Park, Essex. No known grave. Commemorated on
THIEPVAL MEMORIAL, Somme, France. Pier and Face 8 C 9 A and 16 A.
Extract
from England & Wales Government Probate Death Index
1917:
LEYSHON
William Howell Norman of 31 Park-road Wanstead Park
Manor Park Essex private died on or since
15 September 1916 in France Administration (with Will)
London 7 July to Frank Howard Leyshon rifleman.
Effects £622 10s.
|
MacQUEEN |
Thomas
Malcolm |
Lieutenant,
8th Battalion, East Lancashire Regiment. Killed in action 15 July
1916. Aged 29. Son of the late Thomas and Edith Mary MacQueen, of
Bolton House, Eastbourne. In the 1901 census he was aged 14, born
Eastbourne, Sussex, son of Thomas and Edith M MacQueen, resident
10, Bolton Road, Eastbourne, Sussex. No known grave. Commemorated
on THIEPVAL MEMORIAL, Somme, France. Pier and Face 6 C. See also
Eastbourne Memorial
Extract
from England & Wales Government Probate Death Index
1916:
MACQUEEN
Thomas Malcolm of Bolton House 10 Bolton-road Eastbourne
died 15 July 1916 in France Administration (with Will) Lewes
19 December to Ronald Chesney MacQueen captain in H. M. Army.
Effects £248 3s. 9d.
Extract
from The London and China Telegraph - 24 July 1916,
page 568:
Lieutenant
THOMAS MALCOLM MACQUEEN, East Lancashire Regiment, who
fell on July 15, aged 29, was the second son of Dr. and
Mrs. T. MacQueen, of Bolton House, Eastbourne. He was
educated at Eastbonrne College. He went to China in the
service of the Yangtze Insurance Association early in
1912, and left Shanghai to enter the army in December,
1914. He obtained his commission in February, 1915, on
the recommendation of the British Representative in China,
and had been at the front since last July.
|
McBAIN,
DSC |
George
Brown Servewright |
Captain,
27th Squadron, Royal Air Force (R.N.A.S.). Missing, last seen
over Peronne in combat, believed killed while flying a De Havilland
D.H.4, serial number A7514, 10 May 1918. Aged 28. Son of the late
George and Cecile Marie McBain, of Shanghai; husband of Elva Alysh
McBain, of Duchess Street, Portland Place, London W. Awarded the
Distinguished Service Cross (D.S.C.) - awarded while he was a
Lieutenant, Flying Officer, London Gazette 7 June 1918. Commemorated
in ASSEVILLERS NEW BRITISH CEMETERY, Somme, France. Hyencourt-le-Grand
German Cemetery Memorial 10.
Extract
from Yorkshire Telegraph and Star - Saturday Evening
8 June 1918, page 4:
Flight-Sub-Lieut.
GEORGE B. S. McBAIN, R.N.A.S.
For conspicnons bravery and devotion to duty in carrying
out bombing raids on enemy troops, aerodromes, and lines
of communication. On March 18, 1918, while returning from
bombing an enemy aerodrome,he was attacked by five enemy
scouts. After a short combat one of the scouts was seen
to nose-dive, and its tail plane fell off. The four other
enemy aircraft retired.
|
McGHEE |
Harry |
Captain,
11th Battalion, Cameronians (Scottish Rifles). Killed in action
8 May 1917. Aged 35. Son of Mrs. Mary McGhee, of 200, Magdala Terrace,
Galashiels, Selkirkshire. No known grave. Commemorated on DOIRAN
MEMORIAL, Greece.
Extract
from England & Wales Government Probate Death Index
1918:
MCGHEE
Harry of Galashiels North Britain captain
Scottish Rifles died 8 May 1917 on active service Confirmation
of Augustus Robert Bowden lieutenant H.M. Army.
Sealed London 26 June.
|
OPPÉ |
Henry
Sigismund |
Lieutenant,
11th Battalion attahced 6th Battalion, Alexandra Princess of Wales's
Own (Yorkshire Regiment). Killed in action by a sniper 6 November
1915. Aged 35. Born 1880 in London. Son of the late Mr. A. S.
Oppe and of Pauline Oppe, of Pamber Heath, Basingstoke. Buried
in HILL 10 CEMETERY, Turkey (including Gallipoli). Plot II. Row
G. Grave 12. Also commemorated on Solicitors And Articled Clerks
WW1 Memorial, Holborn, Greater London and also on New College
WW1 Memorial, Oxford, Oxfordshire and also Charter
House School WW1 Memorial
Extract
from Lives of the First World War 1914-1918:
Henry
Sigismund Oppe was born in London in 1880. His parents had six
sons, two of whom died in WW1, and two daughters. His father was
an import/export commission agent and merchant. He was also a
Subject of The German Empire, as was his wife, with eight children
residing with them, were granted Naturlisation on the 14th May
1886. His father died in 1889. Henry joined The Yorkshire Regiment
as a Lieutenant and died on the 6th November 1915 and lies in
The Hill 10 Cemetery, Turkey. His grave inscription reads ‘Honor
To Whom Honor Is Due’. He was killed by a Sniper, his twin
brother Thomas died a year and a half later in May 1917.
THACKERAY
PRIZE
A fund was raised in 1865 to perpetuate within the walls of
Charterhouse the memory of William Makepeace Thackeray and
John Leech, educated in the School Part of this fund was devoted
to the establishment of two Prizes, one for English Literature,
the other for Drawing, each of the value of £5 16s.
He was awarded this prize in 1898.
ELWYN
PRIZE
A Prize for the encouragement of Modern History was founded
in 1898 to perpetuate the memory of Richard Elwyn, Head Master
from 1858 to 1863, and from 1885 to 1897 Master of Charterhouse.
Its value is £5 annually. He was awarded this prize
in 1899.
Extract
from England & Wales Government Probate Death Index
1916:
OPPÉ
Henry Sigismund formerly of Shanghai China
lieutenant 11th (2nd reserve) battalion Yorkshire
regiment was killed 6 November 1915 in the Gallipoli Penninsula
on active service Probate London 2 March
to Adolf Paul Oppé civil servant. Effects £1620
19s.
Extract
from Truth - Wednesday 24 November 1915, page 6:
Lieutenant H. S. Oppé, who was killed in action at
the Dardanelles on November 6, was educated at Charterhouse
and New College, Oxford, where he obtained a first-class in
modern history. After leaving Oxford he studied law, and eventually
joined a legal firm in Shanghai. At the beginning of this
year he threw up his work in China to join the New Army, and
in February last was given a commission as lieutenant in the
11th (Service) Battalion of the Yorkshire Light Infantry,
with which he was serving when he met his fate.
|
RALPHS |
Walter
Joel |
Captain,
Shanghai Light Horse Regiment, attached to the 12th Battery, Royal
Field Artillery. Died of wounds 15 July 1916. Aged 32. Born Tabley,
Knutsford, Cheshire. Baptised 24 February 1884 in Great Budworth,
Cheshire, son of Joel and Ellen Ralphs. Son of Joel and Helen
Ralphs. Late O.C., Shanghai Light Horse. Buried in QUARRY CEMETERY,
MONTAUBAN, Somme, France. Plot IV. Row B. Grave 13.
Extract
from The Reporter - Saturday 22 July 1916, page 6:
CAPT.
W. J. RALPHS
KILLED.
A Gallant Dukinfield Officer.
PROMOTED FOR CONSPICUOUS
SERVICE
Deep
regret has been oocasioned in Dukinfield by the news that Captain
Walter Joel Ralphs, Royal Field Artillery, has been killed in
action in France on the 15th July.
Captain Ralphs was the younger son of Mr. Joel Ralphs, of Blenheim
Place, King-street, headmaster of St. Mark's Day School. and brother
of Dr. F. G. Ralphs. He was a native of Dukinfield, where be was
born 25 years ago. After comopleting his education he became a
clerk in the Manchester and County Bank. Ashton, afterwards filling
a similar position in London, and from there he was nominated
by Lord George Hamilton for a post on the staff of the Chartered
Bank, Shanghai.
 |
Captain
Walter Joel Ralphs |
He was a fine athlete and all round sportsman, and became famous
in the East as a rider and polo player. He became a ilieutenant
in the Shanghai Light Horse, commanding a squadron in the Chinese
Revolution of 1912.
On the outbreak of hostilities in Europe, Capt. Ralphs came home
to take his part in the defence of his, country. He was gazetted
second lieutenant in the Royal Field Artillery, promoted lieutenant
on March 25th, 1915, and a few days before being killed in action
was promoted captain for conspicuous service in the field. Captain
Ralphs had seen a year of active service in France as forward
observing officer to a battery. The family have for a long period
been associated with St. Mark's Church, and when the news of Captain
Ralph's' death became known the flag was hoisted half-mast on
the tower.
Extract
from The London and China Telegraph - 24 July 1916, page
568:
Captain
WALTER JOEL RALPHS, R.F.A., killed on July 15, came home on the
outbreak of hostilities from the Far East, where he had been for
several years on the staff of the Chartered Bank, and stationed
mainly in Shanghai. A fine athlete and all round sportsman he
became famous in the East when a lieutenant in the Imperial Light
Horse as a rider and polo player, and commanded a squadron of
Light Horse in the second Chinese revolution. Captain Ralphs had
seen a year's active service in France as forward observing officer
to a battery. He was gazetted second lieutenant to the Royal Field
Artillery on Dec. 30, 1914, promoted lieutenant on March 25, 1915,
and a few days before being killed was promoted captain for service
in the field. He was the younger son of Mr. and Mrs. Joel Ralphs,
of Blenheim Place, Dukinfield.
|
REISS |
Willoughby
Emil |
Captain, 1st/6th Battalion (Territorial), Manchester Regiment.
Died of wounds 8 August 1915. Aged 25. Baptised 24 June 1890 at
Church Hulme, Cheshire, son of Henry Jaques and Emilie Constance
Reiss. Son of Henry J. and E. Constance Reiss, of "The Hermitage,"
Holmes Chapel, Cheshire. In the 1901 census he was aged 10, born
Holmes Chapel, Cheshire, a school boarder at Walter Earle School,
Bilton Grange, Rugby, Warwickshire. In the 1911 census he was aged
20, born Holmes Chapel, assisting his father in his Shipping Merchant
business, resident The Hermitage, Cranage, Holmes Chapel, Cranage
Leese, Cheshire. Buried in LANCASHIRE LANDING CEMETERY, Turkey (including
Gallipoli). Section A. Grave 63. Also
commemorated on St Lukes War Memorial, Holmes Chapel, Cheshire and
also Reiss Brothers War Memorial, Manchester and also Charterhouse
School War memorial
Extract
from England & Wales Government Probate Death Index
1915:
REISS
Willoughby Emil of the Hermitage Holmes Chapel
Cheshire died 8 August 1915 at the Dardanelles
Administration London 24 November to Henry
Jacques Reiss merchant. Effects £360 0s. 7d.
Extract
from The London and China Telegraph - 17 August 1915,
page 710:
Lieutenant
Willoughby E. Reiss, 6th Battalion Manchester Regiment, eldest
son of Mr. Henry J. Reiss, Holmes Chapel, Manchester, died on
Aug. 8 of wounds received in Gallipoli. He was educated at Charterhouse
and was gazetted Second Lieutenant to the 6th (Territorial)
Battalion Manchester Regiment on Feb. 14, 1910, and promoted
lieutenant July, 1912. At the outbreak of war Lieutenant Reiss,
who was an assistant in Messrs. Reiss and Co., Shanghai, was
in China, but returned immediately to rejoin his regiment, reaching
Liverpool the day after it had sailed for Egypt. He joined another
battalion, to which he acted as adjutant for a short period,
and left with a draft on July 4.
Extract
from Nantwich Guardian - Friday 13 August 1915, page 5:
HOLMES
CHAPEL OFFICER KILLED
CAME FROM CHINA TO JOIN THE ARMY.
Official
news was received Fridav night to the effect that Captain Willoughby
Reiss, son Mr. H. J. Reiss. The Hermitage, Holmes Chapel, has been
killed in action at the Dardanelles.
Captain
Reiss, the outbreak of war, was at Shanghai, China, representing
his father's shipping firm of Reiss Brothers. Immediately he left
for England, intent upon joining the Manchester Regiment of Territorials,
of which he was formerly a member, and arrived the day after that
regiment had left for Egypt. He was appointed adjutant to the 6th
Manchesters, and was in training at Southport until about a month
ago, when he went with his regiment to the Dardanelles.
He
was an extremely capable officer, and every man under his command
held him in the highest respect. He was at home on leave when his
regiment was ordered out, and had to return at a moment's notice.
Extract
from Nantwich Guardian - Friday 20 August 1915, page 2:
Memorial
Service. —At St. Luke’s Church, Holmes Chapel,
Saturday, where the flag was at half-mast in memory of the late
Captain Reiss, a memorial service was held for those who had fallen
in the field of battle. The proceedings were very impressive, and
large crowds of people attended. The pews were also occupied by
the members of the Holmes Chapel detachment of the Cheshire Volunteer
Regiment and the local Cadet Corps, who had paraded the main thoroughfares
of the village. The service was conducted by the Vicar (the Rev.
J. H. Armitatead) and the Rev. E. M. Ellis, vicar of Mosley. The
hymns sung were "Soldiers who are Christ’s below,"
and "They whose course on earfh is o’er." Mr. Arthur
Ford was at the organ.
Extract
from Nantwich Guardian - Friday 20 August 1915, page 5:
THE
LATE CAPTAIN REISS.
REFERENCE AT HOLMES CHAPEL CHURCH.
In
last week’s "Guardian” we announced the death of
Captain Willoughby Reiss, son of Mr. H. J. Reiss. The Hermitage,
Holmes Chapel. He was killed in action at the Dardanelles while
serving with the 6th Manchesters.
Referring
to the death of Captain Reiss, the Vicar of Holmes Chapel, the Rev.
J. H. Armitstead, in his sermon Sunday morning, said: "The
hearts of all go out in sympathy to those near and dear to him.
When we think of their loss, and the loss of others, does not the
question occur to us,'Why are our own left off?' When we think of
him we think of one who threw all his energies into his work. Our
local cricket club found him a keen and energetic worker, but it
was not only into this he threw his energies. When at school he
joined the Territorial Force, and was quite as keen in his work
as in amusement. This is a time for action and for National Service.
The outbreak of the war found him at work in China. He hurried home
to join his regiment, and thus he gave his life for his country;
his death was the death of a hero and not a shirker." |
RIACH |
Gordon
Pennington |
Lieutenant,
1st Battalion, Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders. Killed in action
24 September 1918. Son of Jane Riach and the late John Riach. In
the 1911 census he was aged 21, born London, an Insurance Clerk,
son of Jane Riach (a widow), resident 53, Bassett Road Notting Hill
W, Kensington, London & Middlesex. As a Second Lieutenant, aged
27, he was admitted to Queen Alexandra's Military Hospital at Millbank,
13 December 1916, suffering from 'Supp: Ferml Gland', he was discharged
15 December 1916. Religious denomination Church of England. Attended
Clifton Collge 1903 to April 1907, Smith House (3c-4a). Buried in
VADENCOURT BRITISH CEMETERY, MAISSEMY, Aisne, France. Plot IV. Row
D. Grave 11.
Extract
from England & Wales Government Probate Death Index
1919:
RIACH
Gordon Pennington of 53 Bassett-road North Kensington
Middlesex died 24 September 1918 in France
Administration London 10 May to Emily
Constance Keelan (wife of Lionel Bernard Keelan). Effects
£324 7s. 2d.
Extract
from London and China Telegraph - Monday 7 October
1918, page 4:
KILLED
IN ACTION.
Riach.—Killed
in action, on Sept. 24, Lieut. Gordon P. Riach, Cameron
Highlanders, dearly loved youngest son of Mrs. Riach, 53,
Bassett-rd., W., and the late John Riach, of Shanghai.
|
ROBINS |
George
Upton |
Captain,
3rd Battalion, East Yorkshire Regiment attached to 2nd Battalion,
Duke of Wellington's (West Riding Regiment). Died of wounds 7
May 1915 (5 May CWGC). Aged 36. Born 2 December 1878. Son of George
U. Robins, J.P., and Flora Upton Robins, of Delaport, Wheathampstead,
Hertfordshire; husband of Beryl Robins, of The Cottage, Old Windsor,
Berkshire. Educated Haileybury School, Hertford, Hertfordshire,
Edmonstone Form 1892-1897, left to go to Magdalen College, Oxford.
Grave lost, commemorated in RAILWAY DUGOUTS BURIAL GROUND (TRANSPORT
FARM), West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. Transport Farm Annexe Memorial
Row A. Entry 1.
Extract
from England & Wales Government Probate Death Index
1915:
ROBINS
George Upton of 7 Union-court Old Broad-street London
died 7 May 1915 in the 14th Field Ambulance France Probate London
6 September to Flora Olivia Upton Robins spinster Clement Selby
Moore merchant and Frank Hay solicitor. Effects £6015 8s.
7d.
Extract
from The Somerset Standard - Friday 11 June 1915, page
5:
VICTIM
OF GERMAN GAS.
CAPTAIN GEORGE UPTON ROBINS.
Captain George Upton Robins is reported dead from the effects
of gas poisoning. He was the only son of Mrs. Upton Robins,
of Delaport, Wheathampstead (Herts.), and grandson of the late
Mr. George Wood Sheppard, of Fromefleld House. In 1900 he received
a commission in the 2nd East Yorkshire Regiment. He served in
the 5th Mounted Infantry in South Africa, and received a medal
and clasp. In February last he rejoined the 3rd Batt. of his
old regiment at Hull as captain, and on April 22nd he was ordered
to the Front. On May 5th he was in a trench only 50 yards from
the enemy, and in the evening of that day was asphyxiated by
poisonous gas from the German lines. He died on May 7th.
Extract
from The Uttoxeter Advertiser and Ashbourn Times - Wednesday
15 September 1915, page 3:
STRANGE
CLAUSE IN OFFICER'S
WILL.
Captain
George Upton Robins, 3rd East Yorks Regiment, killed by gas
at the front, who left unsettled property valued at £6,015
gross, directed in his will that if he died childless £5,000
should be held in the event of his wife marrying again, "which
it is my wish and desire she should do," upon trust for
"her children by any after-taken husband, as she may appoint."
Extract
from London and China Telegraph - Monday 28 June 1915,
page 541-542:
It
was with feelings of very deep regret that residents of Shanghai
learned that Mr. george Upton Robins, until recently head of the
branch in Shanghai of Brand Bros. and Co., had been killed in
action in Flanders. The clubs of which Mr. Robins was a member
half-masted their flags as a mark of respect.
|
SEBASTIAN,
MC, MiD |
Skinner
Raymond |
Lieutent-Colonel,
3rd Battalion, Hampshire Regiment commanding 5th Battalion, Oxfordfordshire
and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry. Died of wounds 27 March 1918.
Aged 31. Son of Lewis Boyd Sebastian and Harriet Maria Sebastian,
of 12, Lexham Gardens, Kensington, London. B.A. of University
College, Oxford, Barrister of Lincoln's Inn. Awarded the Military
Cross (M.C.), Twice Mentioned in Despatches (MiD0also awarded
Meritorious Service Medals and Territorial Force Efficiency Medals.
In the 1911 census he was aged 24, born Norwood, London, son of
Lewis Boyd and Harriet Maria Sebastian, resident 222 Kensington
Court Kensington W, Kensington, London & Middlesex. Buried
in ST. SEVER CEMETERY, ROUEN, Seine-Maritime, France. Officers
Section, Plot B. Row 4. Grave 20.
Grave
inscription contains: ROTTINGDEAN,
WINCHESTER OXFORD, LINCOLN'S INN SHANGHAI, FRANCE
Extract
from De Ruvigny's Roll Of Honour 1914-1918, Volume 4,
page 180:
SEBASTIAN,
SKINNER RAYMOND, M.C., Lieut.-Col., 5th (Service) Battn.
The Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry, s.
of Lewis Boyd Sebastian, of 12, Lexham Gardens, Kensington, W.,
Barrister-at-Law, by his wife, Harriet Maria, dau. of Bengt Reinhold
Lennartson, of Stockholm and Gothenburg, Sweden; b. Tulse
Hill, London, S.W., 30 Oct. 1886; educ. Rottingdean School; Winchester,
and University College, Oxford, where he took his B.A. degree
in 1908; was called to the Bar in 1910; went to Shanghai in 1912,
and practised there as a Barrister; returned to England, and volunteered
for active service early in 1915; gazetted 2nd Lieut., 3rd Battn.
The Hampshire Regt. in March, 1915; attached to the 5th Battn.
The Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry in Sept. 1915;
promoted Lieut. about June, 1916; Capt. in Jan. and Lieut.-Col.
in Aug. 1917; was Adjutant of the Battn. from Nov. 1915, to Aug.
1917; served witn the Expeditionary Force in France and Flanders
from Sept. 1915, and died at Rouen 27 March, 1918, of wounds received
in action on the 23rd. Buried there. He was twice mentioned in
Despatches [London Gazettes, 18 May and 18 Dec. 1917], by F.M.
Sir Douglas Haig, and was awarded the M.C. for gallant and distinguished
service in the field in Jan. 1917; unm.
|
SHORTO |
Martin
Hubert |
Lieutenant,
Royal Engineers (West Lancashire - Territorial). Killed in action
27 July 1917. Aged 28. Born July 1889. Baptised 19 July 1889 in
Exeter, All Hallows on the Walls, Devon. Son of George Roberts
Shorto (Town Clerk) and Jessy Shorto, of Exeter. A.M.I.C.E., Assistant
Surveyor, Public Works Department, Shanghai. Admitted to Exeter,
Hele's School, September 1900, son of G. R. Shorto (Town Clerk),
left 11 July 1905. In the 1911 census he was aged 21, born Exeter,
Devon, a Civil Engineer, boarding at 24 Church Terrace, Heavitree,
Devon. Buried in COXYDE MILITARY CEMETERY, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium.
Plot I. Row I. Grave 59.
Extracts
from The Western Times - Friday 3 August 1917, page 4
& 7:
SHORTO.—Killed
in action, on July 27th, Martin Hubert Shorto, 2nd-Lieutenant
West Lancs. Royal Engineers, youngest son of the late G. R.
Shorto, Town Clerk of Exeter.
Miss
Amy Shorto, of Hill's Court School. Pennsylvania, received information
on Sunday that her brother, Lieut Martin H. Shorto. the West
Lancashire U.E., was killed in action jin Prance July 27.
Extract
from England & Wales Government Probate Death Index
1917:
SHORTO
Martin Hubert of 70 Pennsylvania-road Exeter
second-lieutenant Royal Engineers
died 27 July 1917 in France Administration (with Will)
Exeter 22 December to Amy Mary Shorto spinster. Effects
£367 19s. 8d.
|
SYMES |
Henry |
Second
Lieutenant, 6th Battalion, York and Lancaster Regiment. Killed in
action 30 September 1916. Aged 31. Son of Henry and Lydia H. Symes,
of 1, Barmby Rd., Bradford. In the 1901 census he was aged 16, born
Bradford, Yorkshire, a Warehouseman Staff, son of Henry and Lidia
Hannah Symes, resident 47, Hustler Street, Bradford, Yorkshire &
Yorkshire (West Riding). No known grave. Commemorated on THIEPVAL
MEMORIAL, Somme, France. Pier and Face 14 A and 14 B.
Extract
from England & Wales Government Probate Death Index
1917:
SYMES
Henry of 1 Barmby-road Bradford a second-lieutenant
in the York and Lancaster regiment died 30 September 1916 in
France Administration (with Will) Wakefield 19
November to Jennie. Elizabeth Symes spinster. Effects £487
10s. 6d.
|
VERNON |
Theophilus Chater |
[Memorial
states Wing Commander] Squadron Commander (Pilot), 9 Squadron, Royal
Naval Air Service. Died 15 September 1917 of injuries sustained
14 September 1917 while flying in a Camel B3933. Aged 30. Born 5
September 1887 in Hong Kong. Son of John Yardley Vernon (a stockbroker)
and Mary (nee O'Neill) Vernon. Native of London. Resident Hotel
Syrlenodide, Marseiiles, France. Employed on the Shanghai Stock
Exchange. Buried in MALO-LES-BAINS COMMUNAL CEMETERY, Nord, France.
Plot I. Row A. Grave 15. |
Last updated
7 April, 2024
|